One of the most popular events of the year in Regal Heights made its return on Friday, December 17, when the Regal Heights Residents’ Association (RHRA) held the well-loved community Carol Sing.

More than 30 people — all wearing masks and safely distanced — gathered near the main doors of Oakwood Collegiate for an hour of carols and Christmas songs. Unlike in past years, the singers had no accompaniment. The Salvation Army Band, which has supported the event for many years, was unable to perform due to the pandemic. So RHRA Chair John Keating led the singers in traditional acapella versions of the songs.

The RHRA was forced to cancel the decades-old event last year because of COVID, and the singers were keen to make up for lost time.

Of course, no Carol Sing is complete without a visit from Santa Claus, and the jolly old elf did not disappoint. In keeping with the times, Santa wore a mask and kept a safe distance from everyone. While he couldn’t mingle with the crowd, he promised not to miss the houses of any good boys or girls on Christmas Eve.

A big thank you to Santa for dropping by. Thanks also to Nick and Linda DiGeorgia for supplying the sound system, Brigid Higgins for watching over the song sheets, and Peter Norman for spreading the word about the event. But most of all, thanks to the neighbours who came out for the event.

Merry Christmas and best of the season to everyone in Regal Heights. 

Photos by Peter Norman